• Swindon & Wiltshire ESG
• Tuesday May 21 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Balloon Fiesta gives a boost to micro businesses

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has given a boost to micro businesses in the city and named its charity of the year.

Under the Bristol Launching Bursary eight fledgling Bristol traders have been selected to receive a significantly discounted pitch at the 2024 event to gain exposure, experience and ensure a great local offer to Fiesta visitors.

The successful applicants who will be bringing a taste of Bristol to visitors across the weekend are Bake My Day, I Scream Taco, Bishopston Bagels, Soul Bowl, Gopal’s Curry Shack, Indian Summer, and Afista Barista.

The fiesta has also named Bristol-based Love Squared as its charity of the year.

Love Squared provides SEN and mental health support, education and mentoring to children and young people in Bristol and the South West.

Cristie McMurray, chief executive at Love Squared, said: “We’re incredibly excited to have been chosen by the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta as its 2024 charity partner and grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness of our vitally important work.

“We’re a small charity supporting young people impacted by mental health, and their families at a time when services are at breaking point but to continue with this, we must raise funds and boost awareness.

“Love Squared puts love at the heart of everything, and we want to bring this to the Balloon Fiesta. To do this, we need help. We’re calling for people to join our Love Squad and help us raise funds to transform outcomes for families by providing listeners for teenagers in crisis, mentoring sessions for children experiencing social isolation and holiday activities for children with complex mental health and special educational needs.”

Ben Hardy, executive director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: “The Fiesta has always been an event in Bristol, for Bristol and we believe that the introduction of the Bristol Launching Bursary, and partnering with Love Squared, underlines our commitment to engage with local businesses and community groups as much as possible.

“Through initiatives such as these, we can enrich the event experience for visitors, bringing a true representation of Bristol’s world-famous independent scene to the event, and underline the Fiesta’s commitment to championing the city, and it’s many communities.”

The 2024 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will take place over three days from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August at Ashton Court Estate.

The Fiesta will still include two Night Glow events, which will take place consecutively on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Organisers have also announced an extension of the event. Between Monday 5 and Thursday 8 August, ‘Fiesta Week’ will see a fleet of hot air balloons popping up in local communities across the city in a series of local launches.

Pictured: Cameron Balloons founder Don Cameron and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta executive director Ben Hardy (fourth left) welcomed Love Squared chief executive Cristie McMurray (third right) and members of her team